The 5.56 X 45mm “Timeline” – 1992

A Chronology of Development by Daniel E. Watters

1992

A Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) is initiated for a 5.56mm AP cartridge to be designated the M995. The desired cartridge, produced by Bofors, uses a tungsten core projectile.

The US Navy SEALs begin issue of the M16A2E3, an M16A2-style rifle with full automatic capability instead of 3 round burst. (Note: Later designated the M16A3, the Navy’s rifle is not the same configuration as Colt’s commercial “M16A3,” which simply indicates a flat-top M16A2-type rifle.)

Colt commercially introduces their flat-top receiver for rifles and carbines. These are commercially designated the M16A3 and M4A1 respectively. (However, these weapon’s features should not be confused with those of the military type-classified weapons using the same designation.)

Colt also unveils the “CQB Carbine”, equipped with a single rail adapter system for the attachment of the M203, a breaching shotgun, or other accessories. Colt also introduces the M203H, a stand-alone adapter for the existing M203.

Diemaco receives a follow-on contract for the production of C7A1 upper receivers, along with a smaller number of complete weapons, for the Canadian military. The A1 configuration is flat-top variant intended for mounting the ELCAN C79 optic. The C79 is purchased in equal numbers for issue to Canadian forces.

The British House of Commons forms a Defence Select Committee to investigate the poor performance history of the SA80.

FN works to reduces the overall length of the 5.7x28mm cartridge. The purpose is to allow the cartridge to more easily fit into the grip of a handgun. During this process, FN creates the first prototypes of what will become the SS190.

January:AMCCOM awards a $27,184,500 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2.

The Army awards a research contract for the Laser Countermeasure System (LCMS). The LCMS is intended to be a one-person portable, manually operated, shoulder-fired, battery-powered, system mounted onto an M16A2 rifle. The LCMS‘ primary objective is to detect, jam, and suppress threat fire control, optical, and electro-optical subsystems.

March:
Colt files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R-63997B(AR), is amended for a third time.

April:
The US Army announces that the ACR trial candidates have all failed to provide the required 100 percent improvement over the M16A2.

AMCCOM awards a $5,088,297 contract modification to FNMI for M249. Part of the order is for FMS.

The US State Department grants an export license to Colt to ship M16 to Indonesia.

British armorers receive an improved interceptor sear, improved take-down pins, and yet another improved safety plunger and spring for retrofit to the SA80. The previous interceptor sear could fail to release, and block the trigger from resetting. The earlier pins were prone to either falling out or being too difficult to remove, causing permanent damage to the lower receiver. The previous safety plunger, made of plastic, was prone to breakage. It would also swell when wet, causing the safety to jam in place.

June:
The M16A2E3 rifle’s military specification, MIL-R-71135(AR), is issued.

The GAO upholds Trijicon’s second protest of the Army’s contract awards to Hughes Leitz Optical Technologies, Inc., Optic-Electronic Corporation, and S-Tron. The contract was for modified NDI telescopes to be used with the M16 and M249.

The military specification for M862 Plastic Practice Ball, DOD-C-70463(AR), is canceled. It is superseded by the military specification for M862 Short Range Training Ammunition (SRTA): MIL-C-70725(AR).

August:AMCCOM awards a $7,738,097 contract to FNMI for 19,387 M16A2. AMCCOM also awards an additional $36,090 related to the M16. This is for FMS.

The military specification for the M200A1 Blank, MIL-C-70724(AR), is published.

British armorers receive an improved buttplate and a redesigned trigger for retrofit to the SA80. The new buttplate are reinforced with a steel strip to prevent the plates from being torn off of their mounting screws during use. The LSW version also has a redesigned shoulder support, with the pivot point lowered to allow for solid contact with the user’s shoulder. The third model trigger has a V-shaped rear edge to prevent foreign material being trapped between the trigger and trigger guard, causing a failure to fire. (This was commonplace with the second model trigger.)

November:
The military specifications for the M16 and M16A1 rifles and M4 carbine are each amended.

British armorers receive an improved magazine catch shroud for retrofit to the SA80. This model will be spot welded in place, instead of merely glued.

With TGZ’s closure in early 2017, Dean encouraged me to find a new home for my scholarship so it wouldn’t be lost in the dustbin of the Internet. Loose Rounds has welcomed me with open arms. In the future, I intend to expand my legacy TGZ articles and add new contributions here at Loose Rounds.